“Donny van de Beek, Van de Beek, Donny van de Beek” rang across the Stretford End as the Dutchman embarked on his warmup and headed towards the famous stand during the Everton game. However, nothing seems to be able to lift him at the moment; he cuts a forlorn figure as an almost permanent fixture on the United bench, with it blatant such position is not where he anticipated he’d spend the majority of his time at the club. Somehow, he still can’t get any look in above the severely-scrutinised ‘McFred’ partnership.
Given both the quality shown he showed at Ajax and when granted opportunities thus far at United, it's clearly a major injustice that Donny's vast potential is being wasted amongst the substitutes. He could still be continuing his meteoric development under Erik ten Hag with his former club, yet he's come to Manchester and has simply sat on the bench for the majority of his stay up to now.
He averaged a mere 28 minutes per appearance in the Premier League last season, playing in only half of the matches and limited to four starts. After being withdrawn following a start in Bern against Young Boys last month, Donny's overall involvement read a diminutive 40 minutes on average throughout 38 appearances for the club. He went on to play 90 minutes against West Ham the subsequent week, seemingly proving himself to everybody but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Dutchman was able to really showcase his quality against the Hammers. He put in utmost effort for the entirety, winning back and successfully retaining possession on multiple occasions with both interceptions and tackles. Coming from deep within the pivot, he effectively catalysed transitions with his sharp, progressive on-ball ability. Further up the pitch, his somewhat aggressive willingness to get hold of the ball is a breath of fresh air. He was mightily unfortunate not to have an assist to his name too on this occasion, with a classy lofted ball sending Greenwood through on goal (only for the youngster to squander his chance). Overall, Donny really looked wholly comfortable playing in the slightly deeper role - compared to his allegedly preferred 'number 10' position - with his wide range of abilities.
It's really doesn't take too much analysis to work out that the Dutch international would be the favourable option compared to Fred in midfield. In all honestly, the former has proven he is equally as (if not more) apt defensively than the Brazilian; Fred was torn to shreds by Demarai Gray at the weekend, culminating in Everton's equalising goal. In addition, Donny's quality in possession is blatantly superior and would in hand greatly enhance the pace and standard of progressions. At the moment, we are often too pedestrian when filtering the ball through the midfield - with his intensity, the former Ajax man would undoubtedly fix such issue. 'McFred' (as fans have reverted to calling Scott McTominay and Fred's partnership) has blatant limitations in the aforementioned departments, with Donny often proving that he can add another dimension when given gametime. McTominay and Fred may add some stability to the core of the team, but it's confusing to see Solskjaer's obsession with the duo given a distinct lack of standout performances to justify their selection.
It's clear that Donny is desperate to play, and he'll offer himself just about anywhere to ensure he ventures onto the pitch. United have been scrutinised for their lack of recruitment of a defensive midfielder over the summer, but the Dutch midfielder specifically told Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel "Five" that he would play the number six role due to past experience in such area. He is incredibly hungry to play, and has admirably kept his belief for the best part of a year. However, there is now a slight sense that the tide is starting to turn.
The midfielder was spotted throwing his bib and chewing gum in frustration having not been brought on against Villarreal over either Jesse Lingard or Fred last week. Solskjaer commented on the issue in his press conference later in the week: "I manage a squad of international footballers. Donny was ready to come on, as all the players should be. I must have the record appearances as a sub - I've not been happy a few times. Alex was coming off as a left-back and Fred did that job well. I understand his frustration. That's got to be built into determination. That's not just Donny but all the players. We need to have positive energy. Donny has never affected his team-mates negatively."
Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that Donny's plan is to leave the club in January due to his lack of minutes, with alternative sources suggesting that his agents are in the midst of devising some form of exit plan. Amidst his determination, discontent is now setting in and hope is seemingly beginning to fade. Ultimately, the situation can't stay like this - time is being wasted at the still-youthful stage of a world class prospect of a player. There has been reported contact with Inter Milan over the possibility of a move, with a loan containing an option to buy a possibility. Everton still seem to be interested after their summer pursuit of the player, with Director of Football Marcel Brands publicly expressing his admiration for his fellow countryman. One thing is for certain, United will struggle to recuperate much of the €45 million paid to Ajax last summer. Hence, a loan is enticing for the club.
If a deal with Inter was to develop, it would be interesting to explore the feasibility of a possible swap deal for defensive midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. The Croat was one of many shortlisted names in the summer, and United's need for an established player in that position has been exacerbated so far this season.
Conversely, according to Laurie Whitwell, Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna are working with Scott McTominay on aspects such as the discipline and passing ability required to operate as a sole sitter. If the coaching programme is a success, it's not an impossibility that Solskjaer could still adopt the 433 system he appeared keen on during the summer. Thus, Donny could have a lifeline; he has the perfect characteristics to operate as a central midfielder in the proposed setup, with a well-rounded range of defensive and offensive astuteness.
He really needs a lifeline. The irregularity of his football right now has seen him dropped from Louis van Gaal's plans as Dutch national team boss, which will undisputedly have dealt a blow to Donny's confidence due to his previous integrity within the international side.
Was he ever Solskjaer's signing? That's the main question within this whole saga. There have not been any real indications that he was brought in as an immediate starter, if ever with Paul Pogba at the club. Surely, though, Solskjaer wouldn't buy a player singularly for the bench given his renowned man-management skills. It seems almost as though the board viewed it as too good an offer to ignore when Donny became available, rather than considering the immediate requirement for the player. I (as many will have done) have always viewed the acquisition very much as a "what if". From the moment pen was put to paper, it has always seemed case of him being Pogba's replacement if he was to leave. Really, his lack of playing time has just been compounded by the Frenchman's growth into the squad.
He's good enough, but patience is understandably running out.
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